Slipmatt on UK rave culture, Raindance 1989, and 35 years at the heart of the scene

In this episode of The Dexter Jones Podcast, I sit down with Slipmatt, one of the most defining figures in UK rave culture. With a career spanning more than 35 years, Slipmatt has lived through the birth of rave, the explosion of dance music culture, and the evolution from illegal warehouse parties to global stages. Few people can tell this story from the inside like he can. We go right back to the origins of rave culture, starting with Raindance in 1989. Slipmatt shares first-hand accounts of those early nights, the community that formed around the music, and how a passion for rave became a life-long career. This is a deep dive into electronic dance music history, told by someone who was there when it all began. We also talk about Ibiza, legacy, and why staying connected to the culture still matters decades later. From preserving rave history through Slip Back In Time to reflecting on what rave culture means today, this is an honest conversation about longevity, responsibility, and community. This is not nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. It’s a grounded look at how rave was built from the ground up and why its values still resonate. If you care about old school rave, UK dance music history, or the roots of club culture, this episode is essential. 🎧 Take your time with this one. We talk about: 🔊 The early days of UK rave culture 🏭 Life at the centre of the rave movement ⚡ Raindance 1989 and the birth of a scene 🔄 How rave evolved over 35 years 🏝️ Slipmatt’s long relationship with Ibiza 🕰️ Slip Back In Time and preserving rave history 🪩 What rave culture means today 🔮 Returning to Ibiza and the next chapter For guest invitations, sponsorship proposals, and collaboration enquiries, please contact Dexter: [email protected]